Ye Olde Writing Rules

We recently stumbled upon a long-lost manuscript, The Limner's Elements of Stylish Prose: Writing During the Plague by E. B. Black the Elder.

- BOB ECKSTEIN AND MARK SHATZ

Though much of its advice has gone the way of the guillotine, there is still something to be learned from the suggestions. Maybe.

Behold, a sampling of writing advice for popular genres way back when.

DRAMA

Drama demandeth conflict between characters burdened with tragic fates like unrequited love, betrayal, or both.

Drench storytelling with metaphors—that rusty, cracked mug isn't just a leaking vessel but an aged, fractured soul. Patch any plot holes with biblical parables. —Sir Arthur

FAIRY TALES